Polypharmacy in the elderly and harm reduction

Abstract

Increasing life expectancy is a humanitarian achievement, however, rapid population aging brings numerous challenges. The increase in longevity is related to the growth of chronic non-communicable diseases, which are generally multicausal, and the concomitance of comorbidities, especially in the elderly, can lead to polypharmacy. The simultaneous use of several medications can cause adverse events and very harmful drug interactions in the elderly, generating new health problems or aggravations to existing ones, which can result in unnecessary hospitalizations and death. Deprescribing aims to reduce harm and costs to patients, in addition to increasing their quality of life, and borders on the performance of person-centered care. It is a practice that is part of the essential care of family and community medicine, both because of the mode of care provided and because of the large elderly population assisted by this specialty. The withdrawal of inappropriate medications in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities is part of comprehensive patient care and can only be performed without the occurrence of iatrogenic events and with a person-centered approach. Therefore, a shared decision of care is necessary, in addition to health education for patients and their families, as well as continuing education for health professionals.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.001-062